Access Point Emergency Communication Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Closed wireless access points can hinder emergency communications, such as 9-1-1 calls, by requiring authentication credentials, even when cellular coverage is unavailable or when a device is not logged in, leading to difficulties in accessing public safety systems.
Innovation Solution
An access point system that identifies communications intended for public safety systems and allows them to pass through without authentication, granting temporary access to necessary Internet resources, even for unauthorized devices, to facilitate emergency communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If closed access points require authentication credentials for all communications, then network security and operator control are improved, but emergency communications and access for unauthorized devices are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The access control module implements different access control policies for different types of communications. Authorized communications receive standard authenticated access, while emergency communications (identified by specific destination addresses or protocols) are granted automatic access without authentication. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying security selectively rather than universally.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control module acts as an intermediary between the communication device and the network. It intercepts outgoing communications, analyzes them to determine if they are emergency communications, and selectively bypasses authentication requirements for such communications. This intermediary function enables emergency access while maintaining overall network security.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If closed access points require authentication credentials, then unauthorized access is prevented, but users without credentials cannot access public safety systems even when cellular coverage is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different access control treatments to different communication types. Regular communications require full authentication to prevent unauthorized access, while emergency communications to public safety systems are automatically permitted. This localized quality differentiation ensures both security and public safety reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control module is pre-configured with knowledge of public safety system addresses and emergency communication identifiers. This preliminary configuration enables the module to immediately recognize and permit emergency communications without requiring real-time authentication, ensuring reliable public safety access when cellular coverage is unavailable.
3Reliability
If access points block communications from devices not currently logged on, then network security is maintained, but immediate contact with public safety answering points cannot be established
Solution Approach 1:
The access control module serves as an intermediary that intercepts emergency communications before standard authentication procedures would block them. By analyzing the communication content and destination, the module automatically permits emergency calls to public safety answering points, eliminating authentication delays and ensuring immediate emergency response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-identifies public safety answering point addresses and emergency communication patterns. This preliminary identification enables the access control module to immediately permit such communications without requiring the user to log on or provide credentials, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining security for non-emergency communications.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing special handling for certain types of communications are provided. More particularly, a normally secured access point can permit emergency communications to be transmitted in connection with unauthorized communication devices. Supplemental communications, for example to websites included in a predefined list by a communication device, can also be permitted once an emergency communication by that communication device has been allowed. Accordingly, emergency communications can be supported, while continuing to limit access with respect to non-emergency communications.